actually they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually they are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or correct a misconception or to emphasize a point in a discussion. Example: "Many people think cats are aloof, but actually they are quite affectionate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Actually, they are unsophisticated.

The New Yorker

Actually, they are remobilizing.

The New York Times

Actually, they are bad.

The New York Times

Actually, they are spiritual beings.

Independent

Actually, they are rarely spotted.

The New York Times

Actually, they are its friends.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Actually, they weren't.

The New Yorker

Actually, they were even worse.

The New York Times - Books

Actually, they're anything but.

The New Yorker

Actually, they're green.

The New York Times

Actually, they were right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually they are" to politely correct a misconception or provide a more accurate perspective. It works well when softening a disagreement.

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence with "actually". It can become repetitive and diminish the impact of your corrections. Instead, use it sparingly when a genuine clarification is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually they are" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a correction, clarification, or a contrasting piece of information. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to adjust or refine a prior statement, often implying that the previous information was inaccurate or incomplete.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actually they are" is a versatile discourse marker primarily used for clarification and correction across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is sound, and it enjoys frequent usage. It is particularly useful for gently correcting misconceptions, but should be used sparingly to avoid repetition. When opting for alternatives, consider phrases like "in fact they are" or "the truth is they are", depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to use "actually they are" strategically to enhance clarity without overwhelming your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they actually are

Changes the position of "actually" for a different emphasis.

in reality they are

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", emphasizing the truth.

in fact they are

Substitutes "actually" with "in fact", providing confirmation.

the truth is they are

Highlights the unveiling of the correct information.

as a matter of fact they are

Adds emphasis to the correction being made.

the reality is that they are

Highlights a contrast between perception and reality.

they are, in truth

Inverts the structure slightly to focus on 'they are'.

it's more accurate to say they are

Introduces a more precise statement.

contrary to popular belief, they are

Directly challenges a widespread assumption.

what's really happening is they are

Focuses on revealing the underlying reality.

FAQs

How can I use "actually they are" in a sentence?

"Actually they are" is used to introduce a correction or clarification, like in the sentence, "Many people believe that bats are blind, but "actually they are" able to see in the dark."

What's a more formal way to say "actually they are"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in reality they are" or "in fact they are" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone. These alternatives can add weight to your statements while maintaining clarity.

What can I say instead of "actually they are" when disagreeing?

When disagreeing, softer alternatives to "actually they are" include "it's more accurate to say they are" or "contrary to popular belief, they are". These options can help you express your point without sounding overly confrontational.

How does the meaning change if I say "they actually are"?

Saying "they actually are" instead of "actually they are" emphasizes the word "actually", giving it a stronger tone of surprise or disbelief, but the core meaning remains the same.